Add To Collection
Add to Collection
BARRETT-TUXFORD RESIDENCE
BARRETT-TUXFORD RESIDENCE
Richland Center, WI, United States
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
BARRETT-TUXFORD RESIDENCE
Richland Center, WI, United States
The program requirements of this single family dwelling were twofold. First, the house represented the fulfillment of a lifelong desire to build, and the clients wanted a design that expressed effectively their personal character and philosophical attitudes. Secondly, the site demanded positioning of the structure to maximize both natural environmental relationships and privacy from adjacent structures. The synthesis of these needs defined an inflected envelop of space that is embraced by the earth on one side yet opens a continuous interface to circumambient changes on the other.
Sheltered on a steep hillside by tall evergreen pines, the site offers a dramatic south-facing view into a valley containing a small township. The intention of the clients to signify their affinity with particular architectural principles developed historically in the area presented a critical basis for the design process. Taken together with economic considerations, these elements evoked an arced form that unfolds from the slope of the ground. Because the grade rendered impractical a standard reciprocal cantilevered footing, the overturning moment was eliminated by curving the retaining wall of the rear elevation. Through this solution the remaining surfaced of the house took shape.
The reflecting curvature of the roof reaches forward from the earth-enclosed foundation wall, developing a single south-facing elevation that minimizes exposure to severe winter weather. The overhang of the eave is calculated for seasonal protection of the interior from harsh summer sun, but provides ready entry for winter solar gain and daylight. To accommodate the interest of the clients in bird watching, the presence of the house was focused into the natural range of bird activity, the surrounding treetops, by using the earth excavated for the building pad as fill for the extension of a v-shaped terrace. Two non-structural beams passing through the body of the house reach overhead to establish continuity and balanced between the terrace space and the rest of the dwelling, while providing a connecting passage to the structure for arboreal wildlife.
The open plan of the interior was determined by the curve of the foundation wall. Divided into a central living zone with flanking sleeping and working areas, the interior is illuminated from early morning to evening through the window wall of the south elevation. Radiant heat circulates in five zones throughout the interior from beneath a tile floor. Built-in furniture, cabinetry, and native stone texture the interior, creating spatial individuality supporting the special interests of the clients and their various activities. The presence of the structure is in harmonious relationship with the environment and expresses their desire to follow a personal revelation in architecture.
Sheltered on a steep hillside by tall evergreen pines, the site offers a dramatic south-facing view into a valley containing a small township. The intention of the clients to signify their affinity with particular architectural principles developed historically in the area presented a critical basis for the design process. Taken together with economic considerations, these elements evoked an arced form that unfolds from the slope of the ground. Because the grade rendered impractical a standard reciprocal cantilevered footing, the overturning moment was eliminated by curving the retaining wall of the rear elevation. Through this solution the remaining surfaced of the house took shape.
The reflecting curvature of the roof reaches forward from the earth-enclosed foundation wall, developing a single south-facing elevation that minimizes exposure to severe winter weather. The overhang of the eave is calculated for seasonal protection of the interior from harsh summer sun, but provides ready entry for winter solar gain and daylight. To accommodate the interest of the clients in bird watching, the presence of the house was focused into the natural range of bird activity, the surrounding treetops, by using the earth excavated for the building pad as fill for the extension of a v-shaped terrace. Two non-structural beams passing through the body of the house reach overhead to establish continuity and balanced between the terrace space and the rest of the dwelling, while providing a connecting passage to the structure for arboreal wildlife.
The open plan of the interior was determined by the curve of the foundation wall. Divided into a central living zone with flanking sleeping and working areas, the interior is illuminated from early morning to evening through the window wall of the south elevation. Radiant heat circulates in five zones throughout the interior from beneath a tile floor. Built-in furniture, cabinetry, and native stone texture the interior, creating spatial individuality supporting the special interests of the clients and their various activities. The presence of the structure is in harmonious relationship with the environment and expresses their desire to follow a personal revelation in architecture.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.